Hopped off the plane in Africa

With a dream and my cardigan… (My apologies for the Miley Cyrus reference- the song for some reason won’t leave my head.)

Anyway, yesterday was a lot of airports and airplanes- and not much sleep but I will adjust eventually.  The countryside coming into the airport and the sunset on the Indian Ocean were both gorgeous. 

So as you can tell I have arrived safely in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and am staying at an inn for my In Country training for a couple of days before heading down to Mtwara.  When I arrived, I met three other volunteers from the UK who are on much longer assignments (1-2 years) but also here for the in country training.  Since I am a short term volunteer I will not get a full 2 week training as one would who is going to be here for 1-2 years, just a couple of basics on finance and set goals for the project .

I have been introduced to many of the volunteers and staff and everyone has been very friendly so far, though I do need to get better with Swahili as I’m sure I will.  Also this past weekend Tanzania was having large celebration marking its 50^th year as Republic so the streets last night were very busy with people as I’m not used to on a Monday evening. 

As I sit here in the office, I can tell work is going to be a very different experience as well, but I am looking forward to it.

Before arriving here I was asked by several different people if I’m excited/nervous/scared.  The answer of course is yes, all of the above!  Going to another continent for 2 months as a volunteer alone had me in a mix of emotions but I am glad I am doing it.  VSO has taken good care of me and again I’m grateful to my company for the opportunity.  I don’t think I realized how much I rely on my phone and internet for comfort but am afraid I will have to just go with it for now.  

I am about to head into a meeting and then to lunch with my new colleagues but will write again soon!